Diff. between Power Compact and Compact Flourescent?

chris-in-sf

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Jan 31, 2003
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Hi

I'm trying to upgrade my lighting situation from tubes on my planted tank. I just can't find out anything describing the difference, if there is any, between Compact Flourescent and Power Compact?

I was probably going to order from AH Supply or DFS, which has a sale going on them right now. I was also wondering if anyone has been using the
Ultra-Daylight Twin Tube 6700K (65 Watt, 22-11/16" L) or the Ultra-Daylight Twin Tube 8800K (65 watt, 22" L)

I hadn't heard of 8800k before. Will these be great for my plants?

Thanks,
Chris
 
Power compact fluorescent = power compact = compact fluorescent. Same thing, different names for them.

The 8800K won't hurt your plants. Might not look the best, but won't hurt them. Won't be as bright as the 10,000K, but more white light than actinics and brighter than the 5,600K.
 
I have a 55w 6700k kit from AH Supply (can't recommend them highly enough by the way) and have to say its excruciatingly bright. I think if I had known how brigh it would be I would have opted for the 5500K.

Its great for the plants but it tends to wash out some of the colors on the fish.

Tom
 
Thanks OrionG, You're always the first to respond!

That's what i figured, just wanted to check with the experts.

So I did some more comparisons. AH Supply 55 watt retrofit kit plus 6700k bulb = $70. DrFosters blowout price on Custom Sealife (out of business as you know) 65 Watt retro kit plus 6700k bulb = $70.

I am retrofitting my Ecplise 3 hood, and need to maximize my light on my deep tank. I know everyone says AH Supply rocks and easy to install and all that. But I really need MAX wattage here. I've already added an extra 20 watt tube in the tank, but it's not enough at 1.4 watts/gallon.

If anyone has had bad experiences with the Custom Sealife power compact kits (and wants to dance on their grave) please let me know them ASAP as I will probably order this in a few hours.

Thanks a lot.
chris
 
I have the CSL--a 4 foot setup and a 3 foot setup. I've been happy with them. I do wish I could set the bulbs on different timers, but not a big deal. Make sure you determine which bulb runs the fans--if both lights aren't on, the fans have a 50/50 shot at being on (I can't recall which they run with, front or back). Otherwise, it's a good setup, and the bulbs are still readily available.
 
Not sure how big the Eclipse 3 is but I have a 29g and the 55W is doing my plants just fine. I have anacharis growing in there that I have to trim weekly.

That being said, I've never seen the Custom Sealife kits so I don't know how easy they are. The AH Supply kits are really just a bag of parts but its ALL the parts you would need. As long as the CS kit has everything I'd say go fo rhte extra 15w for the same $.

Tom
 
The thing that makes AH Supply's kits different from other kits is their reflectors. As far as I know, AH Supply is the only place that sells the reflectors that they have, and it is the best reflector in any CF kit.

-Richer
 
The Ecplise 3 hood is the biggest they make, 30 inches long with 24 inch bulbs. That is why i'm ordering the 55 or 65 watt kits. It's on a 40 gallon tank, deep, which has been a challenge for plants, but i've got a lot of tall plants in there. Some have been doing well, some not.

Fans? I hope not, i don't think they are needed with this size but i'll see i guess. I really think that replacing the 2 tubes with 1 "twin" power compact will allow more room, without increased heat. we'll see.

Yes, I did read all about AH Supply's reflectors and they are tempting. But I think I have to go with the extra 10 watts. I can always spend 15 bucks and add AH reflector later, or I might just buy it in addition to put over my rigged single tube that will stay in the tank.

thanks
chris
 
I've had the 6700K's and they are good, the 8800K's are not much different. I have 8800K's now and like the look. The plants are doing fine with those lights. 10,000K's will never look good in freshwater - - that's my opinion anyway... :)
 
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